Aging

Age is just a number. Make the most of each day with these tips.

You are here

Men, Low T, and the Facts

Martin Miner, MD

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone. For men, it is primarily produced in the testicles. It is most often associated with sex drive, but also plays a role in bone and muscle mass and can affect how the body stores fat. Even a man’s mood can be impacted by testosterone levels.

What is Low T?

It seems as if recently we have heard a lot about Low T. That is the more popular name for a condition known as testosterone deficiency, or hypogonadism. This deficiency can be seen through laboratory findings as well as through physical symptoms, which may include:

diminished libido

erectile dysfunction

difficulty reaching orgasm or diminished intensity of orgasm

diminished mood or general sadness

fatigue

lack of motivation

How does Low T impact a man’s health?

In addition to the typical symptoms of Low T, men who have below normal levels of this hormone may experience a sense of ill-being, foreboding, or feeling as if something is terribly wrong, but not knowing what. Men may also report fatigue, inadequate sleep, increased irritability, and poor mood.

How is it diagnosed?

If a man exhibits symptoms of testosterone deficiency, the best way to confirm is with morning blood tests, drawn on two separate days, to measure the levels of testosterone. If both tests show levels below 300 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter), the diagnosis may be confirmed.

Not all Low T is the same

There are two types of low testosterone. The first is due to reduced production of testosterone from the testes, known as classical, or primary hypogonadism. This often appears in younger men, from conditions such as testicular cancer, testicular trauma or torsion (strangulation), or a congenital condition.

The second is decreased stimulation of the testes from the pituitary gland within the brain. This is known as secondary hypogonadism and it occurs more often in middle-aged and older men. This is the kind of Low T that is usually associated with obesity and other medical conditions described above.

The basis of Low T may be inflammation due to the other diseases present with Low T, or some men may have a genetic predisposition to low testosterone levels. Not all men with low levels will show the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

Is Low T preventable?

Like with so many other conditions, weight loss, adequate regular physical activity, and a healthy diet are the best ways a man can prevent Low T. Weight loss can also help men to improve other medical problems that are associated with Low T, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and elevated lipids or blood fats.

How is it treated?

Fortunately, there are several options for treatment of Low T. To be most effective, a healthy diet and exercise is recommended with any form of testosterone treatment.

Testosterone therapy: This includes topical gels that are rubbed into the shoulders, underarms or thighs. Topical therapies must be applied daily. With this type of therapy, there is the risk of the medication being transferred for the first few hours after application. Affected skin areas should be covered by clothing.

Testosterone injections: Long used as a form of treatment, these can be administered in a doctor’s office. The patient can also be taught to do self-injections. Testosterone cypionate injections are administered weekly or every other week. Two other options, subcutaneous pellets (Testopel) and longer-acting injections (Aveed), allow for nine to 12 weeks between insertions or injections. These allow patients to maintain consistent levels over an extended period of time.

Currently, the FDA has not approved an oral testosterone therapy, however, it may be on the horizon.

What happens if left untreated?

It is important for a man to be checked when he is showing signs of testosterone deficiency. If Low T is left untreated, men often experience a sense of impending doom, poor health, and fear. Men may also experience increased weight gain in the mid-section, have difficulties with focus and concentration, poor motivation, reduced memory, and perhaps difficulty engaging with others.

When should men see a doctor?

Men should seek medical attention when clinical signs and symptoms are present and before illness progresses too far. Men notoriously wait until the last moment to seek medical care. It is recommended that men see a physician once every three years until age 40, every two years after age 40, and every year or two after age 50, or more often as needed for managing other medical conditions.

It is important to remember that help is available. If you are experiencing signs of Low T, our Men’s Health Center, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, can help. Learn more about our center here.